HomeMy WebLinkAboutART-189Bergen Community College
Division of Arts and Humanities
Department of Visual Arts
Course Syllabus
Course Designation, Number, and Title
ART-189 Computer 2D Illustration
Basic Information About Course and Instructor
Semester and Year:
Section Number:
Meeting Times:
Location:
Instructor:
Office Location:
Phone:
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Course Description
Official Catalog Course Description:
This course explores the essential techniques for creating two-dimensional illustrations, logos, and charts
using drawing tools and functions. It emphasizes basic operations and functions of object-oriented computer
graphics, using both spot and process color on the computer.
Credits: 4 (2 lecture, 2 lab)
Prerequisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Student Learning Outcomes
As a result of meeting the requirements in this course, students will be able to:
1. Use the tools, interface, and digital illustration capabilities of industry-standard vector graphics
software.
○ Means of Assessment: Hands-on projects and assignments.
2. Identify key components of vector graphics production.
○ Means of Assessment: Quizzes and class discussions.
3. Critically evaluate their own work and the work of others, both aesthetically and technically.
○ Means of Assessment: Peer critiques and instructor feedback.
4. Propose, design, and create graphic images on the computer.
○ Means of Assessment: Final project presentation.
Course Content
This course includes lectures, demonstrations, studio time, and both one-on-one and group critiques. Key
topics include:
● Basics of vector-based graphic creation (anchor points, handles, lines, curves, open and closed
paths).
● Selection, editing, and manipulation of points and objects in vector graphics.
● Color vector graphics: color models, fills and strokes, spot and process colors, gradients, etc.
● Type and font management in vector graphics.
● Using and manipulating text as part of a digital design.
● Building and organizing a vector graphic with layers.
● Output: print graphics, web graphics, and illustrations in various formats.
Course Texts and/or Other Study Materials
● Required: Students must bring portable disk drives to each class session to save and back up
coursework.
● Optional Text: Illustrator CS5 for Windows and Macintosh: Visual QuickStart Guide by Elaine
Weinmann and Peter Lourekas (ISBN: 0321706617).
Grading Policy
Grades in this course are based primarily on class projects. Each project poses specific technical and creative
challenges and will be graded as follows:
● A: Outstanding originality, technical mastery, diligence, and attention to detail. Exceeds instructor
expectations.
● B: Fully completed project demonstrating technical competence and solid design decisions.
● C: Completed project with weak technique, creativity, or cohesiveness.
● D: Partially completed or does not address assignment requirements.
● F: Project not submitted or fails to demonstrate engagement with the subject.
Attendance Policy
BCC Attendance Policy:
All students are expected to attend every scheduled meeting of each course in which they are registered.
Attendance and lateness policies are determined by the instructor and will be established in writing in the
course outline. Attendance will be kept for administrative and counseling purposes.
Course Calendar
Week Topics & Activities Assignments
1 Introduction to course, Adobe Illustrator basics, workspace
customization, basic drawing tools
Assignment #1: Line as Value
and Texture
2 Design fundamentals: shape, value, volume; using shape
to create value
Assignment #2: Shape as Value
and Volume
3 Using line/pen tools; contour and line discussion Assignment #3: Technical
Drawing (Part 1)
4 Complete value range and closed paths Assignment #4: Technical
Drawing (Part 2)
5 Hard and soft edges in light, gradients, and fills Assignment #5: Technical
Drawing (Part 3)
6 Color and painting, brush tools, aerial perspective Assignment #6: Digital Paintings
7 Flatness and depth, patterns, and symbols Assignment #7: Flat and
Illusionistic Landscape
8 Introduction to typography, page layout, visual themes Assignment #8: Book Jacket
Design (Part 1)
9 Typography part 2 Assignment #8: Book Jacket
Design Final (Part 2)
10 Hand-drawn effects, live trace, emphasis/hierarchy Assignment #9: Analog Event
Poster (Part 1)
11 Graphic styles, downloading/installing fonts Assignment #9: Analog Event
Poster (Part 2)
12 Working from a template, graphic styles, Photoshop
integration
Assignment #10:
Self-Promotional CD (Part 1)
13 Individual meetings about CD designs Assignment #11:
Self-Promotional CD (Part 2)
14 Group presentations and critique of final projects Final Project Review
Note: This Course Outline and Calendar is tentative and subject to change depending upon class progress.
Other College, Divisional, and Departmental Policy
Statements
Academic Integrity Policy
Plagiarism and cheating are violations of BCC’s Academic Integrity Policy. Students are responsible for
understanding and adhering to academic standards.
Accessibility Statement
Students requiring accommodations should contact the Office of Special Services (OSS) at 201-612-5270 or
visit www.bergen.edu/oss.
Student Support Services
Bergen Community College provides student support services, including advising, tutoring, and academic
coaching. More information can be found at Bergen Student Services.
Instructor ’s Note
Students are encouraged to use office hours for additional guidance and to take advantage of available
resources for technical and creative development.